The flower girl is the bride’s ambassador! While petite in size, she has a significant role in the wedding, walking down the aisle, dropping petals, preparing the way for the entrance of the bride.

Tradition holds that a girl carrying flowers should bring extra good luck to the marriage. After the bride, the flower girl is the member of the bridal party most capable of stealing the hearts of all the guests. In choosing the flower girl dress, consider the style, colour, fabric and formality of the occasion. The flower girl should not outshine the bride, but complement her gown while blending with the bridesmaids’ outfits.

The Flower Girl Gown

Although bridal styles change from season to season, flower girl fashion has changed very little. The gown is always classically "little princess" in style but in keeping with the style of ceremony - church wedding, beach wedding or garden wedding.

A flower girl's gown should complement the bride. It can be bridal white or ivory, the same colour as the bridesmaid’s gowns, or a contrasting colour that complements the outfits of the entire party. If white is chosen for the flowergirl's gown, a colour sash may be used to tie it in with the colour of the bridesmaid's gowns.

The age of the flower girl is a factor when choosing the length of her gown. A small child could trip over a long skirt, so ankle length is better for the "little ones". A younger girl (say 5-6 years old) can wear an ankle length "princess" style dress, while an older girl (10-12 years) might prefer a more sophisticated silhouette with more length. While traditional formal weddings do tend towards floor-length gowns, practicality should be considered as well.

If you are having several flower girls of varying ages, you can co-ordinate their dress styles using colour, fabric and accessories such as flowers or jewellery.

Whatever the style you choose, avoid those that will make your flower girl look too sophisticated for their age. This is an occasion when you want to play up her little girl charms. When else can she have the joy of wearing rustling silk or satin gowns, full petticoats, tulle skirts and big bows?

Perhaps this is why flower girl fashion has remained constant over the years - little girls love dressing up!

Fabric Choice

Fabrics such as polyester and cheap lace can be very itchy. No matter how precious the flower girl looks, if her gown and shoes are uncomfortable, it will be reflected in her face and behaviour. Scratchy gowns and tight shoes can cause everything from fidgeting to temper tantrums, so take this issue seriously in order to not interrupt the ceremony itself.

If possible, invest in a better fabric, keeping in mind that the dress doesn't have to be a "one-time" dress. It can be re-worn often, from a portrait sitting to a birthday. It can also be preserved and handed down as an heirloom once the child grows out of it.

Choose fabrics that aren't wrinkle prone, such as silk, satin or velvet for the best results. Dupion silk does have a reputation for creasing, but it is actually a pronounced fold that the fabric develops in line with the vertical or horizontal threads, and as such does not appear crushed.

Fabrics and colours for flower girl gowns vary greatly depending on the time of year and the location. If the wedding is in autumn or winter, rich fabrics such as velvet, satin and silk are popular choices not just for their beauty, but because they will keep the chills away. For a spring or summer wedding, lighter fabrics such as dupion silk, delustered satin and tulle.

For the cooler months, a gown with sleeves may be considered, but as the ceremony is usually indoors at this time of year, perhaps a wrap or shawl would be a better choice, allowing clothing to be removed in layers as suits.

Colour will primarily be dependent on the bride's choice for the wedding party.

Also, wait until the very last possible minute to dress your flower girl. Her dress will be free from wrinkles, and you won't have to worry about any food or drink spills just before the ceremony. A nice comfortable robe for the child to wear prior to the final dressing is a good idea.

Shoes

Flower girl shoes can be a satin or silk "streetwear" style ballet shoe or similar flat shoe that is comfortable and complements the fabric and colour of her gown. If having a beach wedding, a flower girl may go barefoot with a petite silver or gold fine chain anklet or ankle bracelet.

A young child in uncomfortable shoes will fidget, so regardless of anything else ensure that the shoes for the flower girl fit well and are comfortable. If the shoes are stiff, tight, unworn or new it's a good idea to slip them onto the child at the last minute.

Hair

A "fresh" look is perfect for a flowergirl. If the girl has natural curls let her hair flow naturally with a flower or a hairpin to finish it off. Floral or ribbon head wreaths, and lightly jewelled tiaras are also popular. if you prefer a bun, adorn it with flowers or hair jewellery matching the bride’s attire, always remembering a flower girl represents youth in the bridal party. An elegant silk tiara adorned with satin ribbons flowing gentle behind her hair would also be appropriate.

Flower Girl Jewellery

Flower girl jewellery should be be kept simple. A delicate necklace and bracelet is usually enough to compliment the gown, but tiaras, headpieces, chokers, earrings, and hairpins can also be worn. Simple silver or gold with pearls or coloured Swarovski crystal provides an inexpensive yet elegant finishing touch to the flowergirl ensemble.

Young children may be unused to wearing any jewellery at all and it may become a distraction to them. If this is the case then some pretty hair jewellery (small crystal clips and hair slides) and a simple bracelet would be the best choice.

A wide range of flower girl jewellery and junior bridesmaid jewellery is available online, however many of the pieces marketed in this way are just downsized bridal pieces which may be too flashy for a flower girl to wear, and run the risk of detracting from the bride. Look for formal jewellery specifically made in children's sizes, of a style intended for a flower girl rather than a bride

On the practical side look for a sturdy lobster style clasp to reduce the possibility of loss, and be aware of "spiky bits" on the jewellery that a young child may inadvertently catch on the gown causing damage, or worse, cause injury to themselves with.

Makeup

The flower girl theme is "natural" and a minimum of makeup is a must. A little light lip gloss, some light foundation, and a touch of mascara to highlight her eyes. Don't forget the sunscreen as majority of photos are taken outside - give some thought to using a foundation that has a 30+SPF factor.

Nails

Nail decoration is best kept to a minimum - simply filed to shape and a light clear coat applied. Many brides prefer their flower girls to either wear a light pastel or natural colour, or just a shiny clear lacquer. No bright reds or sparkly kiddy purples!!!

Flowers

A basket of flowers carried by the flowergirl is a tradition, regardless of the whether the flowergirl carries out her traditional role of sprinkling petals in the bride’s path as she walks down the aisle.

As a bridal fashion accessory, a small posy of flowers is also popular, and usually matching the floral adornments (bouquets, buttonholes, etc) of the rest of the bridal party.

Flowers worn in the hair are also a traditional touch, either as flowers woven into the hair style, floral headbands, or flowers attached to hair clips. Artificial silk or satin flowers can be used, as well as fresh flowers.

In all floral adornments and bouquets try to use miniature flowers. A flower girl is half (or less) the size of anyone else in the bridal party, and the size of the flowers should be scaled down accordingly.

Dress Care

Some simple storage and handling advice for your flower girl gown:

* Always dry-clean the gown
* Wash your hands before handling the gown.
* When packing the gown in a box or chest, pack with acid free tissue paper.
* Keep the box stored out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, and away from household fumes and pollutants.
* Store the box where vermin and insects can not get to it.
* Ensure there is adequate air circulation around the box to prevent mustiness.
* To hang the gown, use a material coated hanger and place the gown in a sealed garment bag.

As for everything in life there are many choices you can make to look good. Clothes, shoes, jewellery, watches, cosmetics, hairstyles and more. All these put together in a good combination will give you excellent results.

When you decide on wearing a wig, you have choices here as well. What will be the material of your hair, will it be a front or full lace wig, what about the hair density and colour etc.

All wigs require certain components that you need to get together in order to wear it. These three main components are the base, hair and accessories.

You will need to determine what type of base will suit your lifestyle and your skin as well. Is an outdoors person, do you have the type of skin that perspires often, what are the weather conditions where you live– all of these will have to be taken into account when ordering your wig. Keep in mind also how much time you can afford to spend on maintaining your wig.

One of the first and most important points to remember is that a wig has to fit correctly on your head. Go for a custom made wig as this is best option for you. In order to get a great fit you need to take the correct measurements of your head.

The second step is to decide on a base. This is the material on which the hair is set. Choose your base depending on your lifestyle. A lace base is much in demand and is the best option currently available.

When you place a lace base on your scalp it merges very well with the skin and no one can have a clue that it exists on you.

There are three types of bases – Super fine Swiss Lace, Swiss Lace and French Lace

The Super fine Swiss lace is the thinnest in quality. It is also the most delicate base available. Perfect for use in the front, as it is invisible and does not show.

Swiss lace is slightly thicker as compared to the Super Fine quality. This does not mean that it is visible. In fact this lace is also a good lace for the front, as you cannot see it. It is also more durable in strength. A lot many people prefer to use French lace as a base. This is extremely durable and cannot be seen from the front as well. You can get this base in different colours, perfectly matched with the exact colour of your scalp and face. The available colours include peach, orange, tab, white, brown and black.

You can choose any of the three suiting your convenience and lifestyle. Once you do, then you can decide on the next component that is the hair.

A young girl spends several years of her life dreaming of her wedding day. Especially, how she would look as a bride and in this, she wants no compromise. Of course, the most important aspect is her wedding dress. It must be chosen with a lot of care. But this dress will look its best only when complimented by the proper choice of wedding jewelry. Choose your wedding jewelry with utmost care. Here we have a lot of information which is going to help you to make your choices and look your very best.

Your jewelry can help set the mood for your wedding and enhance the overall look and feel of your gown. Think and plan about whether modern jewelry, vintage jewelry, or classic jewelry styles will work best with your wedding dress. Then consider the various elements of your wedding and then decide if the pieces you like will evoke the mood or look you want to create for your wedding.

First of all set the mood of your wedding. The style of your wedding can help narrow down your bridal jewelry choices. Important things to consider are whether you want a daytime ceremony or in the night. Do you wish to make it a grand affair or keep it limited to a small intimate gathering? Here are some popular options for different types of weddings along with the dress codes and jewelry ideas best suited to the occasion.

Beads can be strung together in any number of combinations to create different objects. Most of the times we create ornamental items like bracelets, earrings, and so on. Accomplished beaders are known to create highly complex bead items like multi-strand necklaces and complete ornament sets.

Glamorous weddings: With this you could get away with bolder, and perhaps glitzier, wedding jewelry and accessories at large, black-tie and the same would suit for night-time weddings.

Simple, elegant weddings: here a romantic lacy dress, simple jewelry styles and vintage jewelry pieces could work for you. Heart lockets or brooches can also help you create an antique feel. To create an elegant, timeless affair, look toward classic jewelry pieces such as strands of pearls and diamond earrings and create memories to last a lifetime.

Laid-back beach weddings: To keep the atmosphere light-hearted and full of fun, wear simple yet bright jewelry. A simple strand of pearls and some flowers in your hair can set the tone for an early afternoon ceremony on the beach.

Cultural weddings: In this case there may not be much to choose in terms of because different cultures have different traditions and customs that can guide your jewelry choices. For example, Irish brides may choose to wear a piece of jewelry featuring a Celtic knot or Claddaugh design. Similarly, Asian brides commonly wear jade, a symbol of good luck, health, and prosperity. Remember, your bridal jewelry can also compliment your wedding's color theme. For example, simple and understated bridal jewelry can offset bright, vibrant flowers, candles, and linens. On the other hand, an emerald necklace or ruby drop earrings can provide attractive contrast to single hues and neutral colors.

Compliment your gown with bridal jewelry

A pure white dress looks wonderful with primary color choices. If you plan to don white on the big day and feel like wearing blue sapphires or red rubies, you can surely do so. If you choose a simple dress, then big, bold jewelry, even colored gemstones, could look fabulous. When you select the type and length of your necklace and earrings, make sure they look good with the neckline of your dress.

With these tips in mind you can plan the dream wedding the memories of which you will cherish forever.

If you're looking to buy a beautiful diving watch, but don't want to buy the usual Tag Heuer, Rolex or Seconda, maybe you should consider a Panerai watch. What follows is a review of Panerai watches - especially the men's Panerai Contemporary watch that my wife owns.

Panerai have a long established reputation for making diving watches of exceptional quality; the company was founded in Florence in 1860 and, in 1900, became the official supplier of the Italian navy and in 1938, Panerai began supplying the Italian navy with Radiomir wrist watches for diving. Panerai's pedigree of making nautical watches is a good as any other watch maker.

Despite the name, the Panerai Historic Collection is of contemporary styling. Within this collection come the Panerai Luminor Base, Panerai Luminor Marina and Panerai Radiomir. The watches are hand-wound mechanical with Panerai OP XI calibre with swan's neck regulator. The power reserve for all watches in the collection is 56 hours - amazing for a hand-wound watch. The case and bezel come in either stainless steel or titanium with the glass being sapphire, formed of corundum, 3.5 mm thick and with anti-reflective coating. The watches are water-resistant to 300 meters. What's really nice about the Panerai Historic watches is that the back is also see-through sapphire crystal. Both the Marina and Radiomir come with chronograph mechanisms. Finally, all watches in the Panerai Historic Collection come with leather or alligator strap - reminiscent of when diving watches came with oiled-leather straps. My favorite watch in this collection is the Panerai Marina. I love the small seconds hand at the nine o'clock position.

The Panerai Contemporary Collection is superb, and, in my opinion, the Luminor submersible is the jewel in the crown; my wife owns one of these - more in moment. The Luminor Marina Automatic comes with steel, titanium or steel casing. The movement is automatic, so no winding, but you do loose out on the power reserve - 42 hours. The back isn't see-through like the Panerai Historic. Like the Historic, the Contemporary Marina watch, the Marina collection comes with seconds hand at the nine o'clock position. But, in addition, there is a date display at the three o'clock position. A small point: but the date display window is round rather that the usual rectangle; a really nice feature. The Marina watch comes with leather, alligator or steel straps. The Luminor GMT is very much like the Marina, except you get an additional time-zone hand at the nine o'clock position - the second hand being the more conventional type.

But my favorite watch from Panerai is the Luminor Submersible from the Contemporary Collection. The Panerai Luminor Submersible is a proper diving watch. As standard, it is water resistant to 300 meters, but a special edition model is water-resistant to 100o meters and comes equipped with a helium valve for decompression on the left-hand side of the case. My wife's watch is the Luminor Submersible PAM 00025. The case is brushed titanium, the face is Black with Paris hobnails decoration - very eye-catching, and the strap is black rubber with PANERAI personalized steel buckle. The watch is supplied with a steel screwdriver and a second interchangeable strap fit for diving. If you're looking for the ultimate diver's watch then the Panerai Luminor Submersible is the one to buy.

One final note: no matter what Panerai watch you buy, each one comes with a lockdown winding crown arm, which is a trademark of Panerai and makes a Panerai watch very distinctive. Panerai are fine quality watches which look and feel, modern and industrial - watches that can withstand anything you can throw at them. In my opinion, a Panerai watch is better value for money than an over-price Rolex. It’s a watch for the connoisseur and not for those who follow the crowd.